New Year, New Focus

We all make resolutions at the start of a new year. But let’s be honest, for most of us, our resolutions last for only a very short time.

To increase your chances to succeed, find measurable and achievable goals rather than planning big projects.

Write your objectives down, or better still – post them online. It will make your goals more visible, meaning you are more motivated to stick to the plan. Plus family and friends will be there to support you too!

Here are some suggestions as to things you might do in 2019.

Take up something new

Sports, hobbies and pastimes – they’re a great way to meet new people and make new friends. How about taking the plunge with something you’ve never done before?

It could be a musical instrument – maybe piano or guitar. It might be an exciting sport – perhaps running, cycling, rock-climbing, or sailing. Or maybe a new hobby such as modelling, knitting, cooking or even making home brew.

See more shows

Nowadays, we are busier than ever. After celebrating Christmas with your loved, a much desired resolution is to try and spend more time with the children, see your family more often.

Entertainment is the spice of life and busy schedules mean it’s often hard to find the time to get out and enjoy a live performance or a good film.

If you like a good show, maybe make a resolution that as a family you’ll get along to see something at least once a month. Simply block one weekend a month where you don’t plan anything and dedicate this free time to your children and family.

Go for a promotion

Maybe work has become a bit hum-drum and you’re ready for a step-up, or the boss is retiring and there’ll be a reshuffle in the office.

Going for a promotion could be the solution to challenge yourself. So keep an eye out for the opportunities and make sure you develop a tip-top Curriculum Vitae.

Start a business

Maybe something you’ve been toying with the idea for a few years, then you could make 2019 the year you go for it.

It will depend on the stage of life and situation you find yourself in, but start by asking yourself: ‘what’s stopping me?’

List through all the reasons you’ve never done it and see if any of them really can’t be overcome. You’ll almost certainly find it’s simply a question of risk and it will come down to whether you want to move out of your comfort zone into something that pushes you.

Travel more

If you ask people what they want from life, many will say to see the world and experience different cultures. This is why travelling is the top of most people’s bucket lists.

You could make travelling an important part of your New Year’s Focus. If you book your next holiday well in advance you will have something to look forward to and it will give you a lot of time for planning.

Check out the airline sales that start at this time of year. Exotic destinations like Thailand or Bali are great, but don’t forget that there are so many unique corners of Europe to explore which are cheaper and only need 1 or 2 days off work to make a long weekend. A city break is a perfect antidote to the back-to-work gloominess.

Did you take the time to sit down and prepare a list of important changes you want to make this year? Share your comments.